FDA releases draft of final ruling for food importers

ROCKVILLE, Md. The Food and Drug Administration released its final rule and a draft policy guide on compliance for importing food.

The agency said Tuesday that this regulation is part of its efforts to protect the U.S. food supply from contamination, terrorism strikes and other food-borne emergencies.

The final rule follows an previous interim rule in effect since Oct. 2003 which requires that the FDA be alerted as to any and all food products being imported to the United States, the FDA has said. FDA’s new ruling is part of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act created in 2002. The new ruling will stay in place through May 6, 2009.

The new ruling requires that new food import submissions to FDA’s Prior Notice System Interface be submitted within 15 calendar days prior to the anticipated date of arrival in the United States, but no more than 30 days before the planned date of arrival submitted to Bureau of Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Broker Interface of the Automated Commercial System. This is a revision of the interim regulation that submissions be received by 5 days prior to arrival.

The submitter must also present, in addition to the name of the manufacturer, either a registration number of the facility associated with the food’s or the complete address of the facility where the food was manufacturer along with a reason why no registration number could be provided.

The FDA is calling for comments on the draft ruling before it becomes finalized.

Kellogg’s adds information to packaging to help diabetics make healthy food choices

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. Kellogg Company announced last month a merchandising initiative to make it easier for diabetic consumers to choose foods that fit within their diets—a Diabetes-Friendly Seal that will be featured across several of Kellogg’s breakfast cereals.

Beginning in November, the new seal will be featured on the side panel of Kellogg’s ready-to-eat cereals that meet specified criteria and will help people with diabetes manage their diets. The nutrition criteria, based on those of third-party, science-based organizations, require that each serving of a ready-to-eat cereal include:

• Less than or equal to 30 grams carbohydrates;

• Less than or equal to 9 grams sugar;

• Less than or equal to 3 grams fat; and

• Less than or equal to 1 grams saturated fat and 0 grams trans fat per serving based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet.

“A recent Kellogg study found that about half of people with diabetes believed they should consume no more than 14 grams of carbohydrates and zero grams of sugar per serving,” stated Jennifer Garrett, director, Kellogg U.S. Nutrition Marketing. “But according to leading diabetes organizations’ guidelines for a healthy diet, meals with 45-60 grams of carbs can be a healthy part of their diets, so people with diabetes can enjoy foods like Kellogg cereals that meet our diabetes-friendly criteria.”

BUENA PARK, Calif. Dr. Fresh Inc., major manufacturer and distributor of oral and personal care products announced its Oct. 14 acquisition of Binaca, Tek and Dentax brands from Ascenda Group. The company will begin marketing and distributing all Binaca and Tek products immediately, as well as begin creating new plans for the Dentax brand.

Binaca, Tek and Dentax brands are all known for their mouthwash, breath sprays and oral care products. Their lines will add to an already strong group of Dr. Fresh products, including their No.1-selling kids? toothbrush.

“Binaca has long been the standard in the breath care category, enjoying a high degree of recognition and a loyal consumer following. We are thrilled to be able to count it among our brands,” said Daniel Enreiquez, vice president of sales and marketing for Dr. Fresh Inc. “Binaca will accelerate our expansion into the breath care segment on the heels of our recent launch of Dentyne breath sprays, while also providing exceptional value both to consumers and to retailers. The Tek brand will diversify our offerings and increase our market share in the institutional arena.”

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My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream will be hitting select retail stores shelves with a new line of non-dairy and vegan products. The Los Angeles-based company's latest launch, My/Mo Mochi Cashew Cream Frozen Dessert items will include the flavors: strawberry, vanilla, chocolate and salted caramel.
The product is made with a scoop of frozen cashew cream, wrapped in rice dough and clocks in at just 100 calories per ball. Launching these new vegan and non-dairy offerings will allow a new set of consumers to enjoy this snack, the company said.

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